Between 2003 and 2010, there were 2,210 deaths attributed to a traumatic brain injury in the construction industry. This translates to a rate of 2.6 deaths per 100,000 workers, and they accounted for a quarter of all deaths in the industry during that time period. However, the number of fatalities caused by TBIs declined each year between 2003 and 2010.

According to research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, construction workers from smaller companies were more likely to die from a TBI. A small company was defined as one that had fewer than 20 workers while large employers were defined as those with 100 or more workers. In general, workers aged 65 or older were more likely to die from a TBI while males were more likely to die from a TBI compared to females.

Information gathered from the study may make it easier to protect construction workers from getting a TBI. Employers may be able to make better use of safety equipment when people are working on roofs, on ladders or on scaffolding. For instance, a smartphone app can help with ladder placement while a better fitting harness can prevent a fall while one is being worn. Guardrails may also help keep workers safe while walking on a roof.

Head injuries can often render an individual unable to work for prolonged periods. While workers’ compensation benefits may be available, they may not cover all losses that are incurred. When a workplace injury is the result of negligence of a non-employer third party, an attorney can often be of assistance in pursuing appropriate damages.